Conjunctiva

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Conjunctiva

The conjunctiva is a clear mucous membrane

Mucous membrane

The mucous membranes are linings of mostly germ layer origin, covered in epithelium, which are involved in absorption and secretion. They line various body cavities that are exposed to the external environment and internal organ ....
consisting of cells and underlying basement membrane

Basement membrane

The basement membrane is a sheet of cells and fibers that covers two other kinds of cells -- the epithelium, which lines the cavities and surfaces of organs, and the endothelium, which lines the interior surface of blood vessels....
that covers the sclera

Sclera

The sclera, also known as the white of the eye, is the opaque , fibrous, protective, outer layer of the eye containing collagen and elastic fibers....
(white part of the eye

Eye

Eyes are Organ that detect light, and send signals along the optic nerve to the visual system and other areas of the brain. Complex optical systems with resolving power have come in ten fundamentally different forms, and 96% of animal species possess a complex optical system....
) and lines the inside of the eyelid

Eyelid

An eyelid is a thin fold of skin that covers and protects an eye. With the exception of the prepuce and the labia minora, it has the thinnest skin of the whole body....
s. It is made of epithelial tissue.

elps lubricate the eye

Eye

Mucus

In vertebrates, mucus is a slippery secretion produced by, and covering, mucous membranes. It is a viscous colloid containing antiseptic enzymes and immunoglobulins that serves to protect Epithelium in the respiratory,...
and tears

Tears

Tears are the liquid product of a process of lacrimation to clean and lubricate the eyes. The word lacrimation may also be used in a medical or literary sense to refer to crying....
, although a smaller volume of tears

Tears

Lacrimal gland

The lacrimal glands are paired almond-shaped glands, one for each eye, that secrete the aqueous layer of the tears film. They are situated in the upper, outer portion of each Orbit ....
. It also contributes to immune surveillance

Immune system

An immune system is a collection of biological processes within an organism that protects against disease by identifying and killing pathogens and tumour cells....
and helps to prevent the entrance of microbes into the eye.

conjunctiva is typically divided into three parts:

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Part

Area

Palpebral or tarsal conjunctiva

lines the eyelids

Fornix conjunctiva

where the inner part of the eyelids and the eyeball meet, the palpebral conjunctiva is reflected at the superior fornix and the inferior fornix to become the bulbar conjunctiva.

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Function

It helps lubricate the eye

Eye

Mucus

Tears

Lacrimal gland

Immune system

Histology

The conjunctiva is typically divided into three parts:

Part	Area
Palpebral or tarsal conjunctiva	lines the eyelids
Fornix conjunctiva	where the inner part of the eyelids and the eyeball meet, the palpebral conjunctiva is reflected at the superior fornix and the inferior fornix to become the bulbar conjunctiva. It is loose and flexible, allowing the free movement of the lids and eyeball. An ophthalmologist can insert eye drops into the lower eyelid space. The substance works its way up the surface of the eyeball and diffuse into the internal eye.
Bulbar or ocular conjunctiva	covers the eyeball, over the sclera Sclera The sclera, also known as the *white of the eye*, is the opaque , fibrous, protective, outer layer of the eye containing collagen and elastic fibers.... . This region of the conjunctiva is bound tightly and moves with the eyeball movements.

Diseases and disorders

Disorders of the conjunctiva and cornea

Cornea

The cornea is the transparency front part of the eye that covers the Iris , pupil, and anterior chamber. Together with the cilliary muscles, the cornea reflects light, and as a result helps the eye to dilate, accounting for approximately two-thirds of the eye's total optical power....
are a common source of eye complaints.

The surface of the eye is exposed to various external influences and is especially suspectible to trauma

Physical trauma

Physical trauma refers to a body injury. A trauma patient is someone who has suffered serious and life-threatening physical injury with the potential for secondary complications such as Shock , respiratory failure and death....
, infections, chemical irritation, and allergic reactions.

The conjunctiva is best known because of its inflamed

Inflammation

Inflammation is the complex biological response of Blood vessel tissues to harmful stimuli, such as pathogens, damaged cells, or irritants. It is a protective attempt by the organism to remove the injurious stimuli as well as initiate the healing process for the tissue....
state, conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva , most commonly due to an allergic reaction or an infection ....
(more commonly known as pinkeye).

Conjunctival irritation is one of the adverse health effects that can take place after overexposure to VOCs (Volatile organic compound

Volatile organic compound

Volatile organic compounds are organic chemical compounds that have high enough vapor pressures under normal conditions to significantly vaporize and enter the atmosphere....
s).

Additional images

External links

Medicinenet.com (1999). . Retrieved July 25, 2004.

Conjunctiva

Function

Histology

Diseases and disorders

See also

Additional images

External links